Shakespeares Views on War on Complex (Literature Essay Sample)

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Introduction

Through his writings, Shakespeare expressed his views and ideologies regarding wars and human responsibilities for going to war and conducting wars. This comes out in his works, which include Henry V, Richard II and Troilus and Cressida. In Henry V, for instance, Shakespeare brings in a recurrent critique involving militarist behavior. According to Shakespeare, people have the responsibility for going to war or conduct wars because of dramatist attacks.

In the passage that starts with, "O hard condition; twin-born with greatness," Leaders engage in wars to secure the support and trust of his subjects by ensuring that they remain safe and get protection from any attack. People engage in wars in order, to maintain their authority and control. This comes out in Henry V, when Henry decided to wage war with France, because he hoped that his leadership in the battle would make his subjects to follow his authority in future. Therefore, Henry must do everything to defeat France, to gain complete trust from his subjects.

Henry depicts himself as a man of the people, and as one of them. Henry and his men have a relationship called a band of brothers. To protect that image, Henry must present himself as blunt and straightforward. To Shakespeare, people do not go to war just for the glory of it. They go to war with other intentions such as to protect citizens from harm. However, wars involve glory, and therefore, necessitate it. Wars act as a level of humanity required for effective sovereignty. Power acts as a contributor for people to engage in war. Henry wants the people of France to fear, love, and respect him as opposed to having him.

Conclusion

Therefore, Shakespeare asserts that when people have the power, they can engage in wars out of their own will, sometimes, to gain personal achievements.